The latest American bombardment in the South American nation and the seizure of its leader have sparked unease regarding Washington's ambitions on the Arctic territory. Members of the ex-president's political movement have allegedly set their sights on the strategically important island in the wake of the operations in the southern hemisphere.
Inflammatory Posts and Official Backlash
Merely a short time after the commencement of the Venezuelan operation, a prominent right-wing commentator, who is married to a high-ranking White House adviser, shared a suggestive map. The picture depicted Greenland covered in the American flag, accompanied by cryptic message: "SOON."
This blatant threat to absorb the resource-abundant region, which is a member of the North Atlantic alliance, provoked immediate and firm criticism from Danish representatives.
"Denmark and the US are strong partners and should keep cooperate as such. US security is equally Greenland’s and our security," declared the Danish ambassador to the United States. "The Kingdom of Denmark and the United States collaborate to ensure security in the Arctic."
The diplomat additionally highlighted that Denmark had significantly increased its defence spending recently, allocating a substantial amount specifically for Northern and North Atlantic defence. "And yes, we expect complete recognition for the sovereign borders of the Kingdom of Denmark," he emphasized.
Political Appointments and Geopolitical Goals
The tensions were further exacerbated by the recent naming of a Southern governor as a representative to Greenland. The appointee had publicly thanked the president, stating it was an "privilege" to serve in a volunteer role to "bring Greenland into the US."
Following the events in Venezuela, this envoy commended the president's decisive move, connecting it to the broader "war on drugs."
Ever since returning to office, the American leader has repeatedly unnerved European allies with his stated interest in Greenland. The territory is viewed as vitally important for defence and potential mineral exploitation. It already houses the northernmost US military base.
Refusing to Rule Out Military Action
In a notable media appearance, the president refused to exclude the resorting to armed action to gain control of Greenland. This stance comes amid intensifying great-power rivalry in the polar region. "I don't rule it out. I don't say I'm going to do it, but I don't rule out anything... We need Greenland very badly," he stated.
He characterized Greenland as having a "very small amount of people, which we’ll look after, and we’ll cherish them... But we need that for international security."
Mounting Friction and Indigenous Opposition
In reaction to this constant "drumbeat" of threats, Danish intelligence service took the extraordinary step last month of classifying the United States as a "potential threat."
The prime ministers of both Greenland delivered a joint and forceful rebuke: "We have said it very clearly before. Now we say it again... You must not annex other countries."
Public opinion in Greenland reveals a nuanced picture. While a overwhelming percentage of the territory's residents seek self-rule from Denmark, there is simultaneously little to no appetite to join the United States. The territory has had the option to seek independence for many years.
Expert Assessment: A Plausible Threat?
Some analysts are now re-evaluating the likelihood of such a move. One policy analyst focusing in military analysis admitted she had previously dismissed the sabre-rattling but was "currently not so sure."
"Logistically, it would be feasible for the US to deploy a few hundred or a few thousand soldiers inside of Greenland, and it's unclear to me who could do anything about it," she concluded.
